Sitting at the dark oak table as Pommy set down a few cups and poured the kettle into each cup before pushing two of the cups towards Kur and Chuma respectfully. "So the possible rise is a ruse and the chance of a creature called Zmora's are roaming about?" Pommy asked mildly interested as Kur had explained what he gathered. "Yes," Kur hummed as he picked up the cup and gently blew on the hot liquid, "though the Zmora's that the one citizen described means they had festered for several years to hold any form in the mortal realm. Which that is bad," Kur sighed sorrowfully, "these Zmora's are powerful enough to take those on the mortal plains life other than draining them of their emotions. It was common that Zmora's would kill younger celestial lumerians and demons or those with very weak cores but seeing how they are freely roaming around the outskirts of Conjinham and mostly likely around the world I fear life on the mortal plain may become very dangerous."

"And here I believed that the legend of mare's and Zmora's was just a fairytale, a novel even to get children to behave and go to bed on time," Pommy hummed as he sat down and picked up his cup. "I came face to face with one though it was devouring those who took the one route in a mist-like fashion," Chuma slid his mask off before leaning slightly back, "up close you would say the Eldritch gods look more pleasant than one of those Zmora's." Pommy side-eyed Chuma before lowering his cup, "that bad," Chuma nodded, "then how does one rid of those pesky Zmora's?" Pommy asked as Chuma peaked over at Kur. "Normally either I or those who reside under my Star would use my special purification magic to purify the negative creational core that was built off strong emotions of hatred, sorrow, or anguish. They would feed off those emotions so it is wise to keep a strong front and don't let them feel or taste any emotions that might roll off you," Kur stated holding his hand in front of him.

"So could you contact the one that is still alive or?" Pommy started to ask as Kur shook his head. "Not really as last time I had met him out of the blue and came across him. That was in the Celestial terrain but here is the mortal terrain so I have no idea how to do so," Kur lowered his hand, "but I can share my sphinx mares to help eliminate those Zmora's. Or I can send them out to hunt the Zmora's to rid of them or lure them to one place and destroy them with one blast though not all Zmora's will follow my mares to their demise as some have grown smart within the last 200 years." Kur demonstrated the sphinx mares as he opened his hand as little balls of light-like fireflies appear before forming into butterflies. "They're small but very effective though to destroy one at a time these mares need five in a group each to properly destroy a Zmora without me being present," Kur said as the mares merely hovered around Kur.

"So there is no other stronger opinion for this unless you track them down and destroy them all," Pommy sipped, "does a Zmora have a source?" Kur looked confused before shaking his head. "I am not sure they normally eat those who they latch on or are created from," Kur started as he set the cup down on the table, "though to have access to the mortal plain they might have something they are attached to. But the difficulty is what are they attached to and where is it hidden if that was the case." Chuma hummed softly as he agreed to Kur's statement, "so our best bet is to corner the one Naga that was seen with the Zmora's to be able to do anything."

"That is if the Naga is still alive with that many Zmora's around them the citizen thought to have seen several of them around the Naga. Even one Zmora who has fed for centuries can eat a mortal alone but two can eat a cryptid in no sweat," Kur started using the term cryptid to describe creatures that are more unreal to humans than how they are to those who have lived very long lives and are practically immortal. "So either scenario, the Zmora's are using the Naga as their next appetizer or that Naga may be the ringleader that had lured them and are using them to do something," Pommy tapped his pointer finger on the table, "this can become a nuisance if nothing is done. Or like Kur informed, it can be dangerous." Kur nodded his head. Chuma hummed in a form of agreement as he took a sip of tea.

"But most of the issues is that how are we going to track down a Naga or the Zmora's," Chuma started as he set down his now empty cup, "look at it this way not many know how to deal with these Zmora's or even begin to suspect every Naga in or close to the Conjinham surroundings. We need a clear description of said Naga if we want to get a faster result and deal with the problem at hand." Chuma tapped the table in the rhythm of his deductions. "Chuma is right," Kur set his now empty cup down, "the citizen only said Naga not giving a clear description of the Naga and wishing not to cause trouble is the main goal in resolving this issue, but the question is who can we truly trust to keep an eye out when we do have the main target on sight?"

"How about Orcus and Futsura," Chuma said as he grabbed his mask and place it on his face, "they've encountered Naga's before and have seen the behaviors of those not being manipulated by others either mortal or immortal means. So they can keep an eye out as well. Let's head over there Kur, I'll give you a tour of the town and show you the clinic I run here in Conjinham as well." Chuma stood up as well as Kur. "I'll head out and look as well," Pommy spoke as he grabbed the hat that fell when the motion was made when Chuma and Kur went to stand, "I'll keep close to Conjinham knowing that that pesky purification magic group is so close to Conjinham. Seeing how they still view any form of magic as witchcraft I rather not risk anything with them around. Warn Futsura and Orcus about them. The quicker we can get these exorcists, priests, and monks away from Conjingham the better."

"Yeah, well Kur let us start heading over," Chuma said as he walked over to the exit. "Very well, be careful Pommy Zmora's will feed off all negative emotions even feelings of regret and remorse. Keeping the mind clear of all thoughts is a way to escape one if you get too close to a Zmora," Kur says softly as he followed Chuma out. Pommy nodded his head, "I'll keep that fresh in my mind as I am looking around." After a wave of goodbye, the two separated from Pommy and began walking in the opposite direction. The cracking of gravel was accompanied by the soft tone Chuma used while explaining everything about Conjinham and where certain locations were and what to expect. Kur listened diligently to everything Chuma was saying to him. The sudden pull of negative energy started forming as Kur stopped midstep. Chuma noticed their behavior of Kur and thought it was one of Kur's episodes, "Kur are yo-"

Chuma wasn't able to say anything else before a bright red light flashed before him and was covered by blackness as he felt Kur wrap his arms around Chuma as a sudden blur brought him several feet away from where he was just standing. The embers charred the area where Chuma once stood. A gasp of shock escaped Chuma as he turned his head to face the direction of where the blast had come from as thick dark purple smoke began to seep into the clearing. A pained grunt came from Kur as Chuma watched as Kur grabbed his left shoulder hissing in pain. "Kur you are hurt," Chuma voiced out as he went to reach for Kur but Kur pulled him forward and behind as another blast nearly hit Chuma as shock came over him once again, "what in the world?!" Chuma gasped as Kur took several steps back making sure to keep Chuma well guarded as he kept the distance far enough from the dark purple mist. "That blast they keep sending," Kur hissed through the pain, "the incarnations and properties of that blast have aspects in which are aiming for lich hunting techniques." Chuma's eye widened under his mask as he knew exactly what Kur implied. He was being targeted but he didn't have any real enemies except maybe the witchering castle due to the last encounter the last time.

Kur grunted more as he repositioned himself as the air around them became tense and hard to breathe in the rustling of the underbrush sounded as a Naga came out of the bushes.

The dark purple smoke surrounded this Naga as the crimson red glowed around their hand. Chuma went to take a step forward before he heard Kur mumble something under his breath Chuma felt himself fall backward as he heard Kur, "sorry Chuma but you're the target. Forgive me for being harsh with you, you've done so much for me. Consider this as me paying your kindness forward." The warmth surrounded Chuma as Kur held out his hand as the lavender blue color surrounded Kur's right hand as he stuck out his injured arm to form a barrier as the blast hit it making Kur grunt. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion as Chuma's vision faded into the lavender blue color before nothing. Kur gave a sad smile as the third blast that hit his barrier shattered and the blast after that one hit Kur directly. Grunting in pain Kur took several steps back and fell to one knee. His pants labored as he grunted in pain granted that he encased himself with the fragments of his shatter barrier but the force still caused the pain.

The Naga tsked as it slithered closer to Kur as the mist came closer. Some of the sphinx mares formed to keep the air purified around him. Huffing Kur grunted and forced himself to stand up as his form shook in exhaustion and pain. "Well, well you took my master's target from me," the scratching pitched voice of the Naga sounded, "but judging by your attire you are also one of my master's targets. But he wanted you captured not injured. I am going to be scolded for your injuries. But that will be a different explanation later. Shadow men capture this one and make sure you secure them tightly."

"Tsk," Kur breathed out through pain-gritted teeth, "in no certain terms am I allowing you to get away from the consequences of your actions. In due time your consequences will catch up. I will just have to delay you for them to catch up." Kur huffed as he once again raised his right hand his hand turned the lavender blue once more. Symbols formed in front of him and above him, "even if you bound me and move me. All I have to say is that my friends will find me and I will make sure you will never harm anyone ever again." With that, the marks glowed brightly as Kur slumped over before falling to the earthly ground unconscious but with a faint glow still around him.

"Whatever they used it doesn't matter bound him and let us get a move on it's a full 7 days travel to reach the master," the Naga said in annoyance. The shadows surrounded Kur as they roughly moved Kur around. Bounding his wrists together and tying a rope around his upper arms leaving his legs usable if he woke up. Unbeknownst to the Naga and the Zmora, there were witnesses to what had happened. Further up the path stood the familiar colors of blue and yellow mixed with pink. Futsura had taken a step in front of Orcus when the overwhelming smell of smoke filled the air.

The formation of tears was present in the corner of Orcus's eyes as they watched the scene unfold. "K-Kur teleported Chuma away to save him but in turn got captured instead," the hint of concern and sadness laced into Orcus's voice as Futsura hummed in response more concerned about the Naga's next move only to relax his stance as the Naga started to slither in the opposite direction. "But where did Kur teleport Chuma too," Futsura added as they watched the group fade into the distance.

"We first need to find Chuma," Orcus said as Pommy came running up behind them. "What was with that explosion? Where are Chuma and Kur? Why is there such a strong pull of magic in this one area?" Pommy asked frantically as Orcus and Futsura turned to him, "Orcus, Futsura," Pommy panted as he caught his breath, "Chuma and Kur went to go look for you two have you seen them?" Futsura looked towards where they just saw Kur being carried off to and was about to point when they saw the stream of light go off and the cursing of the Naga began. "Kur was captured and spellbound himself as a means to delay their travel, however, Kur also teleported Chuma to safety but we have to go look for him," Orcus spoke as the hint of a trembling voice was showing in his tone of voice. "Kur views Makai as his home. His safe place so guarantees Chuma is in Makai," Pommy made the deduction out of what Chuma had told him before, "I can't go there but you two can," Pommy looked over at Orcus and Futsura, "go I'll follow them and keep track of where they are heading and I'll send messages when safe to." Pommy didn't wait for a reply as he walked away with a little speed carrying him to keep some distance but still be close to them to watch.

"To Makai, it is then," Orcus said as he turned around and Futsura followed.

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Art pieces are done by me and my friend ChaoGalaxyWarrior (aka Eldritch Chao)